Dangerous beaches

While shark attacks and freak waves may be the first things that come to mind, pickpockets, drug wars and boiling hot lava are some of the less obvious challenges that face beach goers in certain parts of the world. We take a look. (Shutterstock)

Acapulco, Mexico - Drug violence has made the popular Mexican seaside resort, something of a risky area to holiday in. (Shutterstock)

Second Beach, Port St. Johns, South Africa - Probably one of the most picturesque spots on South Africa's coastline, but also unfortunately one frequented by Great White sharks. A fatal shark attack on Christmas Day last year, brought the shark-related death toll up to seven in as many years. (Shark Attack Monitor)

Bikini Atoll, US Marshall Islands - This Unesco World Heritage Site is dangerous for two reasons: nuclear radiation and sharks (can you say mutant sharks?). It was the site of more than 20 nuclear weapons tests between 1946 and 1958, and because no fishing was done here in the 60s, marine life - especially sharks - flourished. (Wikipedia)

Chowpatty Beach, Mumbai - The sands of Chowpatty are full of debris and scraps from salvaged ships. Its already-polluted water got even worse in 2011, when the MV Rak sank, spilling 60,000 metric tons of coal. (kshishtof / Shutterstock.com)

Copacabana Beach, Brazil - Though gorgeous and full of even more gorgeous bodies, this beach is notorious for its pickpockets and thieves. Rather leave your valuables at the hotel! (Celso Pupo / Shutterstock.com)

Kilauea, Hawaii - Hawaii's largest island is located next to one of the world's most active volcanoes. It has been continuously erupting since 1983, spewing lava into the ocean. (Shutterstock)

Staithes, UK - Named the worst in Europe by the campaign group Surfers Against Sewage this Yorkshire is among 41 in Britain to have failed to meet basic European pollution standards. Now check out this list of SA's best beaches (Shutterstock)